THE INITIAL SUCCESS

Evening Star, Issue 24285, 28 August 1942, Page 3

THE INITIAL SUCCESS

PREDOMINANTLY AN AMERICAN FEAT OTHER COUNTRIES MUST HELP The Press Association correspondent at a South Pacific port says that the Japanese appear to have lost the first round of their counter-offensive against the South-eastern Solomons in extraordinarily quick time unless the action has since developed afresh. The Japanese approach to Guadalcanal’, the correspondent says, does not appear to have been pressed with anything like the determination which characterised the assault of the United States marines and Allied naval forces on the islands almost three weeks ago. It would even seem that the Japanese failed to disembark any of their forces. It should not be taken, however, that the reported withdrawal betokens a decision to relinquish the enterprise. A further assault seems inevitable. The Japanese wounds in this week’s affray, severe and annoying’ though they will be to the enemy, probably do not do more than touch the main strength of the Japanese naval force which can be brought to bear if Japan decides to pledge it. , . ■ _ . M The losses suffered in the Coral Sea, oft Midway, and in the two Solomon Islands actions have not yet been sufficient to justify wishful thinking that Japanese naval power is no longer to be feared. Vice-Admiral Ghormley’s fresh success shows that miracles of preparation against a counter-offensive have been achieved in the extremely short time he has had at his command since the islands were captured. The general position now seems to be that Admiral Ghormley and his Marine Corps forces ashore on the islands have won more time in which to prepare the offensive and defensive capabilities of, the islands. The possible losses in ships, personnel, aircraft, and general equipment can be replaced and added to quickly. The outlook is at present even more encouraging than it was after the original capture of the islands. This does not mean that it is less fateful to the Allies in the southern areas of the Pacific. A further assault must be expected, and it will probably be made in greater force than this one. Although pressed back the Japanese still possess terrific strength, and have gained valuable knowledge. The period of suspense has not been ended by the latest engagement.

The correspondent also says that the countries whose fate -is being decided in the Solomons should also recognise that so far their champions have' been preponderantly American. The landing forces have been completely American,''and the naval forces allied in composition to only a minor degree. As a result of the commitments of the United States in other theatres of war the time must come when the other countries in the Pacific theatre must take their part in the offensive plans. The Allied countries must therefore be prepared for further calls upon their man power if the southeastern Solomons are finally to be held by the Americans and developed into an offensive utility.

The future offensive stages must be undertaken by the troops best trained for the difficult and hazardous tasks ahead. That will mean that other troops must bo used at least for occupational purposes. In the meantime the fight for the Solomons has by no means ended. 'Weeks may still elapse before the issue is placed beyond doubt.